Renault has presented the Renault 5 prototype described by GM Luca De Meo as “an electric car at a price accessible to all”, that it will introduce in 2024.
If the Megane E-Tech – the carmaker’s newly introduced electric SUV – is the star of the Renault stand in Munich, the R5 promises to be the punter’s choice.
As the all-electric incarnation of the French carmaker’s once-popular hatchback, the all-electric Renault 5 echoes the squared-off styling of its predecessor but with more modern finesse.
In Munich, the all-electric Renault 5 is on display alongside four historic versions that link its heritage with the future of clean transport.
Also inspired by the Supercinq and the R5 Turbo, Renault has chosen a yellow bodywork that plunges into the sharp-looking electric hatch into a “seventies” atmosphere.
But this is not a step backwards, but a leap into the future, the company insists. By taking the iconic R5, Renault wants to “democratize” the electric car.
With a 52kWh battery, the electric Renault 5 will have a range of 400 kilometers, although there will also be a shorter range and more affordable option with a 40kWh battery.
However, when and if the Renault 5 will come to Australia is another question. Renault pulled the Renault Zoe from the local Australia market due to a dearth of support for electric vehicles from government in late 2020.
But with recent state policy changes making EVs more accessible, and a good three years before the Renault 5 makes it to production, the French carmaker’s stance on the local auto market is more than likely to change.
Bridie Schmidt is associate editor for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She has been writing about electric vehicles since 2018, and has a keen interest in the role that zero-emissions transport has to play in sustainability. She has participated in podcasts such as Download This Show with Marc Fennell and Shirtloads of Science with Karl Kruszelnicki and is co-organiser of the Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Forum. Bridie also owns a Tesla Model Y and has it available for hire on evee.com.au.